Nearly 100 paintings on the theme of ‘hau dong’ (spirit mediumship) are on display at an exhibition that opened in Hanoi on May 21.
A painting on display
at the exhibition
Utilising various genres of media, the 24 participating
artists convey their different views on the traditional Vietnamese religious
practice through their paintings.
Painter Le Hai, who brought two paintings to the event,
shared that he was excited to take part in the exhibition as ‘hau dong’ is
quite a new theme for most artists. However, he also found that it was a tough
task to deal with the abstract concept of the practice.
The topic requires the artists to have a certain
understanding of it as well as what is intended to feature on the paintings, he
said.
The practice of‘hau dong’, in honour of Mother
Goddesses, was inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritages of
humanity in 2016.
The exhibition, which
aims to provide the public with a closer look into the‘hau dong’ritual,
will run until May 27, at the Centre for Fine Arts and Photography, 29 Hang Bai
Street, Hoan Kiem district.
Source: NDO
Gongs hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh province. More than musical instruments, they are an indispensable part of community rituals and collective memory, echoing through generations as a spiritual thread linking the past, present, and future.
Preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group has become an urgent task in the current context, as many traditional values face the risk of fading away. This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.
The Muong ethnic culture, deeply rooted in Vietnam’s mountainous north, continues to be preserved and revitalised by dedicated individuals and communities determined to safeguard their ancestral identity.
The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.
For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.
Muong calendar, known as sach doi, is an ancient folk knowledge system developed through observations of the movement of the pleiades star. This unique calendar consists of 12 bamboo sticks, each representing a lunar month. Specific days within each month are marked with distinct symbols, guiding locals in determining auspicious and inauspicious days for important activities.
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